The regulations prescribe standards for the permitting and practice of the handful of Virginia's remaining lay midwives, an ever-decreasing class of persons to be distinguished from nurse midwives (who are registered nurses specially trained pursuant to regulations promulgated by the state boards of nursing and medicine).

Whether the regulations continue to prescribe appropriate standards for the permitting and practice of Virginia's remaining lay midwives, an ever-decreasing class of persons to be distinguished from nurse midwives, who are registered nurses specially trained pursuant to regulations promulgated by the state boards of nursing and medicine.